Once associated with benefits fraud and scam letters in the British media, Nigerians seem now popular in the United Kingdom, at least the elite section of the media. The Economist on 2nd of October, 2024 published a piece celebrating the success of Nigerians in British society, “How British-Nigerians quietly made their way to the top”. The Times has today come out with its own version, “It’s not just Kemi Badenoch. Meet the Nigerian Power Set”.
From politics to business, from media to sports, British Nigerians are making their mark, embodying a success story that is reshaping perceptions of the African diaspora. Figures like Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the UK’s Conservative Party, exemplify a pattern of achievement driven by resilience, ambition, and an unwavering cultural emphasis on education.
The impact of British Nigerians transcends borders, with individuals excelling in global spheres. Tom Ilube, a former Powerlist No. 1, chairs prestigious institutions like the Rugby Football Union. Vogue’s editorial head, Chioma Nnadi, follows in the footsteps of industry luminary Edward Enninful. Meanwhile, cultural influencers such as actor John Boyega and boxing champion Anthony Joshua showcase Nigerian talent on international stages. In business, leaders like Tunde Olanrewaju, McKinsey & Company’s managing partner, and Adejoké Bakare, a Michelin-starred chef, epitomize a spirit of innovation and excellence.
The roots of this remarkable success lie deep in Nigerian culture, where the pursuit of education is almost sacrosanct. The mantra of “education, education, education,” instilled by parents from a young age, creates a foundation for a competitive edge. Nigerian schools often rank students publicly by academic performance, cultivating a drive to excel that many carry into adulthood. This ethos, coupled with resilience against systemic obstacles such as racism or limited opportunities, ensures that Nigerians adapt and thrive.
For many Nigerians, ambition is not merely about personal achievement but also a response to global inequities. The phrase “Naija no dey carry last,” or “Nigerians will always strive to finish first,” captures a cultural determination to succeed despite the odds. For those who migrate, this mindset is both a survival strategy and a pathway to prominence.
This spirit of achievement is not without its challenges. While British Nigerians rise in prominence, many at home face systemic barriers that stifle similar opportunities. Yet, this very adversity further fuels their drive to succeed abroad, exemplifying a resilience that has become synonymous with the Nigerian experience.
As Nigerian success stories multiply across industries and borders, their impact underscores a broader truth: talent thrives where determination meets opportunity. And for British Nigerians, this intersection has created a powerful blueprint for excellence.
The Times British – Nigerian Power Set
Kemi Badenoch, 44 : The MP for North West Essex and leader of the Conservative Party.
Lord Adebowale, 62 : Chairman of the NHS Confederation
Florence Eshalomi, 44: Labour MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Tom Ilube, 61: cybersecurity boss, former chairman of the King’s Trust UK and the Rugby Football Union, former
BBC Board member and chief information officer of one of the original internet banks, Egg.
Tunde Olanrewaju, 45: managing partner at McKinsey & Company
Kene Ejikeme, 42: Banker and the first person of African heritage to be promoted to partner in Europe in Goldman Sachs’ history.
Funmi Adegoke, 42 : FTSE 100 firm Halma sector chief executive for safety.
Tevin Tobun, 48: CEO of logistics tech platform Routd and GV Group, dubbed the Amazon of commercial food delivery in the UK.
Eva Omaghomi, 46: director of community engagement for King Charles and Queen Camilla, the longest-serving black member of
the royal household.
Ije Nwokorie, 54: CEO of iconic shoe brand, Dr Martens.
Chioma Nnadi, 44: Journalist and head of editorial content at Vogue and successor to Edward Enninful
David Oyelowo, 48: British-American actor, director and producer.
John Boyega, 32: British actor and producer.
Cynthia Erivo, 37: British actress and singer who gained recognition for starring in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple from 2015 to 2017.
Anthony Joshua, 35: British professional boxer.who held the unified world heavyweight championship twice between 2016 and 2021. At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016.
Bukayo Saka, 23: English professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team.
KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, 31: Britain’s most successful YouTuber with more than 46 million followers across various channels and the co-founder of the drink Prime.
Vannessa Amadi Ogbonna, 44: influential music manager who oversees the careers of some of the biggest Afrobeats stars in the world including Davido, and Tiwa Savage.
Ayo Adeyemi, 34, and Aji Akokomi, 47: Owners of upscale Nigerian restaurants, Akoko.
Adejoké Bakare, 52: Owner of Chishuru, a restaurant which claimed Michelin star status this year.
Nero Ughwujabo, 50: senior strategy adviser to the King’s Trust and the first UK black special adviser in No 10, where he
served under Theresa May.
Maro Itoje: English professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for Premiership Rugby club Saracens and the England national team.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 21: England rugby sensation and Exeter winger.
Michael Emenalo, 59: Former coach and technical director at Chelsea FC. Now the first director of football at the Saudi Pro League
Eni Aluko, 37 : Broadcaster, former footballer and director of women’s football at Aston Villa
Little Simz, real name Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, 30: Mercury prize winning rapper and actor.
Skepta, real name Joseph Olaitan Adenuga, 42: Grime artist and music producer.
JME, real name Jamie Adenuga, 39 : Grime artist and music producer.
Julie Adenuga, 36 : Broadcaster and radio host, and the sister of Skepta and JME
Dave, real name David Omoregie, 26: Rapper and actor.
Tinie Tempah, 35: Rapper
Sophie Okonedo, 56 : Actor who was Oscar-nominated for her role in Hotel Rwanda
Misan Harriman, 46 : Photographer and chairman of the Southbank Centre
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 47: Actor who was Oscar-nominated for 12 Years a Slave
Mo Abudu, 60: CEO of film and television company EbonyLife Media
David Olusoga, 54: Historian, writer and broadcaster known for A House Through Time and Black and British: A Forgotten History
Seyi Obakin, 63: CEO of Centrepoint, the charity for homeless young people.
Bayo Ogunlesi, 70: Former owner of Gatwick, London City and Edinburgh airports; sold his company to BlackRock for £10 billion.
Wol Kolade, 58: Private equity entrepreneur, former chair of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation.
Richard Iferenta, 59: Partner at KPMG.
Michael Eboda, 63: CEO of Powerful Media, publisher of The Powerlist
